Mazda 2 2014 Review

The pace of new and so-called “all-new” models is so dizzying that it’s almost gratifying to find one that’s endured. Make no mistake, this is an old car, one whose underpinnings and drivetrains long predate its 2007 shape.

Though it will be replaced later this year, the package is surprisingly contemporary and the styling still looks fresh. Indeed it remains the top-selling city car, knocking off Toyota's Yaris. Nor were these “all-new” when they came to market in 2010. In a rapidly growing market segment, the pace of change of change has lagged, something shown up by Renault's Clio.

To keep interest alive until its replacement arrives, Mazda’s added alloy wheels as a non-cost inclusion in the base Neo model which is enough to earn it a Sport tag. The update also introduced a name change to Neo Sport, though in a city-based runabout, the name may be redundant.

VALUE

Looks good at $15,790 but you add $1650 for the automatic. Alloys are now standard but there’s little else save for cruise control, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, plus a solid safety package. Bluetooth is glaringly omitted. The 2 fits its city-suburban commuter and shopping trolley remit perfectly, with very good build quality and an endearing simplicity. Resale is solid at 46 per cent.

DESIGN

Still very fresh and fits perfectly into the morning freeway parking lot. It’s small at only 3.9m long but fits four adults. Luggage room at 250-469 litres is reasonable given the tight hatch tail. Hard plastics for the dash are tiresome though quality is good. Controls are logical and simple. Clipboard-friendly vertical glovebox with its letterbox slit access hints at courier or delivery van use.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS / TECHNOLOGY

This platform was once shared with Ford's Fiesta (both are made in Thailand). Though small in length, the wheelbase is long and so gives it reasonable rear-seat room and improves ride comfort. The 76kW/135Nm 1.5-litre engine is dumbed down for durability and 6.8L/100km economy. It gets an old world four-speed auto, front disc brakes and rear drums, electric-assist steering and conventional suspension to put it mechanically on par with most rivals.

SAFETY

All the basics are there - five-star crash rating, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control plus a park sensors. Though that’s not unusual in the light-car segment, sensors would definitely be welcomed.

DRIVING

The combination of a low-stressed engine and a four-speed auto is as tantalising as a plate of spinach, but the Mazda 2 provides lively performance and even fun handling. The taut chassis and nicely-tied suspension do most of the work but credit also to an electric-assist steering box that is neither vague nor overly light.

Good ride comfort, quiet performance - save for hard acceleration - are also good points and show just how good is this ageing hatch. But though civilised in the city, the four-speed auto has huge ratio gaps. Using the kickdown, as in overtaking, it often finds these gaps too big to downshift but if forced, makes the engine scream.

VERDICT

Simple, practical and pretty but there’s better value in the Maxx Sport model from $16,930 and better cars elsewhere.

Mazda 2 Neo
Price: from $15,790
Engine: 1.5L four-cylinder, 76kW/135Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, FWD
Economy: 6.4L/100km, CO2 152 g/km